Kongsgaard, "the Fimasaurus," Napa Valley 2012

From the record

KONGSGAARD, "THE FIMASAURUS," NAPA VALLEY 2012 is documented in the Cartelier archive as served at Protégé in Palo Alto, CA. It appears on the menu of April 15, 2021, one of 6 items served that wine. As printed, the kitchen describes it: After 20 years of winemaking in the Napa Valley, John Kongsgaard launched his own label in 1996. The 2004 Food & Wine Magazine, "Winemaker of the Year," has since become one of the most influential and revered winemakers in country. The Fimasaurus is a personal ‘homage’ to John’s very close friend, Russian pianist Yefim "Fima" Bronfman. This wine is extremely rare, with only 100 cases produced from a blend of co-fermented Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grown on a rocky hilltop vineyard on Atlas Peak. Like Fima himself, the wine is powerful and intense, showing loads of blackcurrants, plums, menthol, dark chocolate, and baking spice. IDEAL DRINKING WINDOW: 2021-2030 PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS: A “Right Bank” Bordeaux-style blend which offers a softer tannin profile and richer mid-palate, this wine matches with a wide variety of meats including squab, lamb, and leaner cuts of beef. Try it with Beef Bourguignon! DECANT: 1-2 hours in advance STEMWARE: Large Bordeaux glasses, ideally Zalto Denk’Art Bordeaux or Riedel Sommeliers Bordeaux Grand Cru IDEAL SERVICE TEMPERATURE: 65°F. Every appearance below preserves the menu exactly as published — source, hash, and date — so this dish can be read as it stood on any documented evening.